Drugs for treatment of depression

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Abstract
The use of Marsilid (isoniazid) produces remarkable improvement in the depressive syndromes because of the drug''s antidepressive and psychic energizing properties. Marsilid can energize the patient and yet does not overstimulate him. We have observed improvement in depressed patients regardless of diagnostic category, but, we repeat. Marsilid has little effect on many of the psychotic symptoms that may be present and sometimes increases psychopathologic processes. The tranquilizers are still superior in treating overt psychotic behavior; however, in patients on long-term therapy[long dash]12 to 20 months[long dash]discontinuance of Marsilid caused a return of delusions and hallucinations. Apparently, some psychopathology may be alleviated by long-term therapy with a psychic energizer. We believe our studies during a 20-month period leave no doubt that Marsilid is a unique anti-depressive or psychic energizer. The Pavlovian theory that depression is a form of inhibition due to excessive stimulation must be seriously questioned. Considerable doubt remains as to whether Marsilid''s inhibition of amine oxidase in the brain is the drug''s only essential function. At this time, we are evaluating the energizing action of other amine oxidase inhibitors and psychopharmaceutical agents. The possible hepatotoxic effects of Marsilid are at present restricting the rational use of this drug by those clinicians who do not look at facts. Marsilid is unique, and no replacement is available. Since Marsilid is used as therapy and as an investigational tool, its loss cannot be evaluated. Cause of possible toxic action must be determined, whether due to previous liver disease and existing pathology, augmentation of pathologic processes associated with infectious hepatitis, competition with vitamin B6, chelation and removal of copper from essential oxidative enzyme systems, complex formation with adrenochrome, or unsuspected factors.